GNC Engineer II/ Senior GNC Engineer I - Mission Formulation

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.GNC ENGINEER II/ SENIOR GNC ENGINEER I - MISSION FORMULATIONBased out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the GNC Engineer II/ Senior GNC Engineer I - Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) design, modeling, analyses, and testing for Rocket Lab launches and missions. You'll play an integral part of Rocket Lab's Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team, which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life.As part of the Mission Formulation team, you'll be responsible for conducting trades studies, preliminary and final mission analyses, and definition and implementation of detailed designs for Rocket Lab's launch programs. This team is also primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of launches and missions for classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles.Success in this position will be measured by the value of the knowledge and experience in launch vehicle design and mission experience that you bring into this role, your ability to contribute to projects without supervision, successful collaboration with other teams across Rocket Lab, and the skillful prioritization of competing engineering projects across the group.WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:GNC contact to Business Development for proposals and mission definitionLaunch and mission operational concept developmentOrbital and suborbital trajectory design and analysisWork with external stakeholders and customers for mission‑specific requirements engineeringDocument proposed GNC solutions and participate in design reviews with customersSupport hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) testing to verify trajectories, GNC, and flight code performanceConduct Monte Carlo simulation analyses to define and verify launch and mission operationsDevelop and support release of flight code for pre‑launch ground testing, launch, and mission operationsDevelop tools and processes for automating common GNC modelling and analysis tasks(Please note: This position can be hired at the GNC Engineer II or Senior GNC Engineer I level.)YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS GNC ENGINEER II:Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCSUnderstanding of orbital mechanics and/ or closed‑loop control systems, preferably launch vehiclesExperience with trajectory optimizationProven experience developing real‑time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehiclesActive Secret security clearance OR Ability to obtain and maintain oneYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR GNC ENGINEER I:Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCSUnderstanding of orbital mechanics and/ or closed‑loop control systems, preferably launch vehiclesExperience with trajectory optimizationProven experience developing real‑time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehiclesActive Secret security clearance OR Ability to obtain and maintain oneTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:Active TS/SCI clearanceExperience with requirements assessments and interface control document generationExperience with git version control.3+ years' experience in modelling, simulation and/or control of dynamics systems, particularly rigid bodies3+ years' experience with Python development3+ years' experience with data analysis using MATLAB and/or SciPyExperience with ASTOS or similar mission analysis, trajectory optimization, vehicle design and simulation toolsStrong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationshipsCreative, analytical, and good at problem solvingAbility to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to meet higher level tasksADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Must hold an active security clearance, or be willing to obtain one upon hireSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writingMust be physically able to commute to buildingsOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noiseLevel and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.Base Pay Range (CA Only)$115,000 — $165,000 USDWHAT TO EXPECTWe're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.#J-18808-Ljbffr